Softline Enterprise launches production scheduling to help manufacturers manage their shop floor

Issued by Watt Communications: for Softline Enterprise
Johannesburg, 18 Oct 2005

Softline Enterprise, a leading supplier of Sage Line 500 enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, has launched Production Scheduling, a module aimed at helping medium to large sized manufacturers gain greater control over their shop floor. Production Scheduling for Sage Line 500, helps manage the entire production process to improve efficiency and profitability.

Production Scheduling models capacities and constraints of all shop floor resources, processes and materials simultaneously, and automatically updates production schedules in response to changes in customer demand, manufacturing plans or procurement plans. Any scheduling conflicts that might occur can be easily resolved by running 'What if?' scenarios. Customer service can be improved by reducing lead times and by improving the accuracy of delivery forecasts.

"For those manufacturers wishing to ensure on time deliveries, improve their production planning, product quality and traceability, Production Scheduling ticks all of the right boxes," said Ashley Ellington, MD Softline Enterprise. "Its seamless integration with Sage Line 500 means that it is quick and easy to implement. Works orders and MRP recommendations can be generated directly from the Planning Board within the Production Scheduling environment."

Additionally, the tools in Production Scheduling allow users to react quickly to unforeseen events that can occur in manufacturing plants - including machinery failure, employees taking sick leave and raw materials not arriving on schedule.

"Typical benefits achievable for manufacturers using Production Scheduling include improving delivery times by up to 15 per cent and bringing safety stock down by 15 per cent to 50 per cent," says Ellington. "Our Production Scheduling system is an out-of-the-box solution that can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively, whilst providing full integration with Sage Line 500."

Softline Enterprise

Softline Enterprise is a leading supplier of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, delivering performance and web capability that is essential for success in today's competitive business environment. Addressing finance, distribution, manufacturing, services and eBusiness requirements, the product offering also supports and consolidates activity across expanding business needs. Available on a wide range of operating systems and compatible with a host of industry leading databases, it gives mid-range and larger organisations the reliability and scalability required to keep ahead of competitors. Softline Enterprise products are supported through a network of accredited partners which bring together the individual product and service components to deliver a complete and tailored solution.

Softline Enterprise products include:

Sage Line 500 - offering all the advantages of a traditional ERP solution, Sage Line 500 provides tight financial control with full visibility of costs and powerful reporting tools. In addition it includes an evaluation of market trends to assist customers to make informed strategic decisions. The product also manages cash flow through close budget control and efficient purchase requisitioning and supports international business with multi-language, multi-currency, multi-company features. It includes vertical solutions such as manufacturing and retail.

SalesLogix - an affordable, fully scaleable and powerful CRM solution that is easily customised for medium sized and divisions of large corporate businesses. Sales Logix is designed to integrate seamlessly with other business software and back office applications, providing customers with a holistic view of each customer.

Softline

Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions to small, medium and large sized companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia.

Focused on the development of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions, Softline has been a market-leader for 16 years. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently. Softline's leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Enterprise, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings, provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions.

In November 2003, Softline was acquired by Sage Group plc, an established FTSE 100 company. The group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large sized business community.

Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.

Sage

The Sage Group plc is a leading supplier of accounting and business management software solutions and related services for small, medium and large size enterprises. It comprises market-leading businesses throughout Europe, United Kingdom, North America, South Africa and Australia .The Sage group plc has over 4.5 million small-and mid-sized customers in 55 countries and 8000 staff.

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